Sean Astin Shares Exciting New Lead Role in Scrooge-Inspired Film ‘Scruggs’ After SAG-AFTRA Election Victory
Sean Astin Takes On First Starring Role Since SAG-AFTRA Presidency
Sean Astin, known for his role in The Lord of the Rings, has stepped into his first starring role since being elected president of SAG-AFTRA. He stars in the indie film Scruggs, which offers a contemporary twist on the classic tale of Scrooge.
In Scruggs, Astin appears alongside Calvin Kassab, who plays the title character and is also the film’s executive producer. The cast further includes Donnell Clayton, star of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Andrew Dawe-Collins from Pitchfork, and Sarah Catherine Moore, who makes her film debut.
Produced by Sam Logan Khaleghi, Scruggs is set to showcase at the Cannes Market. The film is a collaborative effort between Kassab Pictures and SLK Media Group, with first-time director Zachary Ruda at the helm. Production recently concluded in Detroit, Michigan, with a planned release during the festive season of 2026 following a festival circuit.
This film reinterprets Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol into a modern narrative featuring a "greedy real estate mogul, Edward Scruggs," who embarks on a magical journey with three larger-than-life spirits on Christmas Eve, according to producers.
Khaleghi expressed his excitement, stating, "I am thrilled and elated to have the absolute honor of such an amazing cast. We have a diverse corps of talent that delivers both comedy and drama perfectly in our gritty contemporary take that still maintains the traditions and customs of the original literature."
Kassab added a poignant note, saying, "We live in a world that needs more empathy. The Scrooge archetype is about compassion through shared human moments."
Astin is represented by Jay Schachter at Stewart Talent, Luber Roklin, and Brecheen Feldman Breimer Silver & Thompson, LLP.
